Exercise device

ABSTRACT

An exercise machine that includes a baseplate, pneumatic cylinder assemblies pivotally mounted on the right and left sides of the baseplate, and an exercise bar coupled to the pneumatic cylinder assemblies at each end. A bench assembly is positioned between the pneumatic cylinder assemblies. A support member is removably coupled to the baseplate and the bench assembly.

BACKGROUND

The present invention is directed toward exercise equipment, and more particularly to exercise machines with pneumatic pistons.

Exercise is associated with improved physical and mental health, and decreased mortality. A popular form of exercise is weight training or resistance training.

Free weight training often involves repeatedly moving weights to the point of exhaustion or near exhaustion to stimulate muscle growth. Free weight training has a potential for injury if the person exercising is unable to return the weights to their stationary position. The person exercising may ask for assistance or a “spot” when performing certain exercises to avoid weights falling on him or herself and causing injury.

Weight training machines can help avoid free weight injuries by placing the user safely away from the weights. Cables, levers, and pullies are often used to transmit user motion to weights located at safe location from the user. A drawback of such machines is their bulk. Weight training machines often occupy a lot of space. Often, several machines are required to exercise multiple muscle groups. Weight training machines are heavy, not easily stored, and typically necessitate a dedicated exercise room. This makes many weight training machines impractical in homes with little room to spare for exercise equipment.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Aspects of the present invention include a pneumatic exercise device that substantially replicates free weight training. Additionally, the exercise device can provide an intense workout without requiring heavy weights. By eliminating heavy weights, the exercise device is safer than conventional free weight training. A further aspect of the present invention is an exercise device configured for compact storage while still allowing strenuous workouts targeting multiple muscle groups.

Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention is an exercise machine that includes a baseplate with a right side and a left side. A first pneumatic cylinder assembly is pivotally mounted on the right side of the baseplate, and a second pneumatic cylinder assembly pivotally mounted on the left side of the baseplate. A first piston is configured to move linearly inside a first cylinder of the first pneumatic cylinder assembly. Similarly, a second piston is configured to move linearly inside a second cylinder of the second pneumatic cylinder assembly. An exercise bar with a first end and a second end is coupled to the first pneumatic cylinder assembly at the first end and is coupled to the second pneumatic cylinder assembly at the second end. A bench assembly is positioned between the first pneumatic cylinder assembly and the second pneumatic cylinder assembly. The bench assembly includes a horizontal bench for supporting a user in a substantially supine position. Legs elevate the horizontal bench above the baseplate. A support member is removably coupled to the baseplate and the bench assembly.

Another example aspect of the present invention is an apparatus for enabling a user to exercise. The apparatus includes a baseplate with a right side and a left side. A first pneumatic cylinder assembly is pivotally mounted on the right side of the baseplate, and a second pneumatic cylinder assembly pivotally mounted on the left side of the baseplate. A first piston is configured to move linearly inside a first cylinder of the first pneumatic cylinder assembly. Similarly, a second piston is configured to move linearly inside a second cylinder of the second pneumatic cylinder assembly. An exercise bar with a first end and a second end is coupled to the first pneumatic cylinder assembly at the first end and the second pneumatic cylinder assembly at the second end. A bench assembly is positioned between the first pneumatic cylinder assembly and the second pneumatic cylinder assembly. The bench assembly includes a horizontal bench for supporting a user in a substantially supine position. A first hearing joint couples the exercise bar to the first piston such that the exercise bar swivels in relation to the first pneumatic cylinder assembly. A second bearing joint couples the exercise bar to the second piston such that the exercise bar swivels in relation to the second pneumatic cylinder assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows an example exercise device contemplated by the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an example exercise device contemplated by the present invention viewed from back to front.

FIG. 3 shows a partial view of an example exercise device contemplated by the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows an example pneumatic piston assembly contemplated by the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows another example pneumatic piston assembly contemplated by the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is described with reference to embodiments of the invention. Throughout the description of the invention reference is made to FIGS. 1-5 . When referring to the figures, like structures and elements shown throughout are indicated with like reference numerals.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 , one embodiment of the present invention is an exercise device 102 that includes a flat, rigid baseplate 104. The baseplate 104 has a right side 106 and a left side 108. The baseplate 104 is approximately four feet long from the right edge 110 of baseplate 104 to left edge 112 of the baseplate 104. In one configuration, the baseplate 104 is one foot in width from the top edge 114 to the bottom edge 116 of the baseplate 104, with a thickness of 0.75 inches. The rigid baseplate 104 may be fabricated from various materials, such as, for example, a carbon fiber slab.

The exercise device 102 includes a first pneumatic cylinder assembly 118 pivotally mounted on the right side 106 of the baseplate 104, and a second pneumatic cylinder assembly 120 pivotally mounted on the left side 108 of the baseplate 104. The exercise device 102 further includes a first cylinder mount assembly 122 fixed on the right side 106 of the baseplate 104 and a second cylinder mount assembly 124 fixed on the left side 108 of the baseplate 104. The first and second cylinder mount assemblies 122, 124 can be fixed to the baseplate 104 using various known methods, such as bolting, riveting, and welding. In an alternative embodiment, the cylinder mount assemblies 122, 124 can swivel about the baseplate 104.

As shown in FIG. 3 , each of the cylinder mount assemblies 122, 124 includes a hinge 302 configured to pivotally link a bottom portion 304 of a respective pneumatic cylinder assembly 118, 120 to the baseplate 104. In one embodiment, locking pins 306 pass through the cylinder mount assemblies 122, 124 and the bottom portion 304 of a respective pneumatic cylinder assembly 118, 120, thereby fixing the cylinder mount assemblies 122, 124 to the baseplate 104 while allowing rotation of each of the cylinder mount assemblies 122, 124 along parallel vertical planes. Other pivot joints may be used to mount the pneumatic cylinder assemblies 118, 120 to the baseplate 104, such as a ball joint. The locking pins 306 include a wire retaining the pin through the cylinder mount assemblies 122, 124 and the bottom portion 304 of a respective pneumatic cylinder assembly 118, 120.

Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the exercise device 102 includes a bench assembly 126 positioned between the first pneumatic cylinder assembly 118 and the second pneumatic cylinder assembly 120. The bench assembly 126 includes a horizontal bench 128 for supporting a user in a substantially supine position. The bench assembly 126 further includes collapsible legs 130 elevating the horizontal bench 128 above the baseplate 104. Cross members 132 fixed between the collapsible legs 130 may be used to add rigidity to the bench assembly 126.

In one embodiment, the bench 128 is fabricated from a rigid material, such as a carbon fiber slab. Additionally, rubber molded cushions equally spaced apart are attached to top of the bench 128. The cross members 132 can be welded to the legs 130. Metal tubing fixed to the bottom of the bench 128 forms a sleave receiving a threaded rod fastened to two sets of legs 130. This bearing assembly allows the legs 130 to fold inward for convenient storage of the exercise device 102.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the exercise device 102 further includes a support member 134 rising from the baseplate 104 to the bench assembly 126. In one embodiment, the support member 134 is horizontally aligned at the baseplate 104 between the cylinder mount assemblies 122, 124. The support member 134 is configured to transfer load from the bench 128 to the baseplate 104 and to minimize deflection of the bench 128 during use of the exercise device 102.

In one embodiment, the exercise device 102 includes a bottom bracket 136 mounted to a top surface of the baseplate 104 and a top bracket 138 mounted to a bottom surface of the bench 128. The support member 134 may be removable to facilitate storage of the exercise device 102. For example, the support member 134 is configured to slide in and out of T-shaped channels within the bottom bracket 136 and the top bracket 138. Locking pins passing through the support member 134 and the brackets may be used to prevent the support member 134 from sliding out of the bottom bracket 136 and top bracket 138 during use.

As mentioned above, the exercise device 102 includes a first pneumatic cylinder 118 and a second pneumatic cylinder assembly 120. With reference to FIG. 4 , each pneumatic cylinder assembly includes a piston 402 configured to move linearly inside a cylinder 404. A piston rod 406 is attached to and displaces the piston 402. In one embodiment, the piston 402 has a stroke of approximately 22 inches.

The piston 402 divides the cylinder 404 into an upper chamber 408 and lower chamber 410. The lower chamber 410 includes lower openings 412 where air can freely enter and exit the lower chamber 410. Thus, no pneumatic resistance is present at the lower chamber 410 when the piston rod 406 and piston 402 are displaced downward.

A check valve 414 is attached to an upper opening 424 of the upper chamber 408 and is configured to allow airflow in one direction only. In particular, the check valve 414 allows air to enter the upper chamber 408 but prevents air from escaping the upper chamber 408 through the check valve 414. Thus, the check valve 414 allows free movement of the piston rod 406 and piston 402 in a downward. direction. In one embodiment, the check valve 414 is a ball check valve.

The pneumatic cylinder assemblies additionally include an adjustable valve 416 to adjust resistance to movement of the piston 402 in an upward direction. The adjustable valve 416 is attached to an upper opening 424 of the upper chamber 408. The adjustable valve 416 incorporates a handle 418 to manually change the valve opening. As the valve opening increases, the amount of resistance to piston movement in the upward direction deceases. Conversely, as the valve opening decreases, the amount of upward movement resistance increases. In one embodiment, the adjustable valve 416 is a ball valve. Other adjustable valves, such as a needle valve, can be used by the exercise device.

The adjustable valve 416 may include a gauge 420 to display the valve opening size or the amount of movement resistance provided by the pneumatic cylinder. The gauge 420 can help a user equalize the resistance at the first pneumatic cylinder assembly 118 and second pneumatic cylinder assembly 120. The gauge 420 can also be used to log resistance during workouts.

Each pneumatic cylinder assembly may additionally include a muffler 422 attached to the adjustable valve 416 to help suppress sound resulting from air exiting the upper chamber 408. The muffler 422 may be fabricated from various porous materials known in the art that help decrease the air velocity exhausted from the adjustable valve 416 and muffle noise. In one embodiment, the muffler 422 is screwed onto the adjustable valve 416.

Depending on the exercise performed by the user, the pneumatic cylinder assemblies may be configured to resist movement of the piston 402 in a downward direction. In this arrangement, the check valve 414, the adjustable valve 416, and muffler 422 are attached to the lower chamber 410 of the cylinder 404, while upper openings 424 are left clear for air to freely enter and exit the upper chamber 408 unimpeded, as shown in FIG. 3 .

For instance, when a user is performing bicep curls or a bench press, the pneumatic cylinder assemblies are configured to resist movement of the piston 402 in an upward direction, as illustrated in FIG. 4 . However, when a user is performing an overhead press or triceps extensions, the pneumatic cylinder assemblies are configured to resist movement of the piston 402 in an upward direction, as shown in FIG. 3 .

In one embodiment, the check valve 414, the adjustable valve 416, and muffler 422 are movable between the lower openings 412 and the upper openings 424 of the cylinder 404. The user moves these components by, for example, screwing and unscrewing the components into the upper or lower cylinder openings. It is contemplated various other pneumatic fittings may be used to disconnect and connect the check valve 414, the adjustable valve 416, and muffler 422 into either the lower openings 112 or the upper openings 424, such as quick-connect fittings and couplings. Furthermore, the check valve 414, the adjustable valve 416, and muffler 422 may be manufactured as a unitary assembly such that only one disconnection and connection is needed to change the resistance configuration of the exercise device.

In another embodiment, check valves 414, adjustable valves 416 and mufflers 422 are coupled to both the lower openings 412 and the upper openings 424 of each cylinder 404. When upward direction resistance is desired, the adjustable valves 416 at the lower openings 412 are fully opened. Conversely, when downward direction resistance is desired, the adjustable valves 416 at the upper openings 412 are fully opened.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the check valve 414 in combination with the adjustable valve 416 provides resistance in only one direction. Unlike conventional free weight training, embodiments of the present invention do not pose a hazard of weights falling back onto the user. Users of the exercise device 102 can adjust the resistance to simulate heavy weights without the need for a spottier or the danger of weights crashing down on them.

FIG. 4 shows a mounting bracket 426 to pivotally mount the pneumatic cylinder assembly to the baseplate 104. The mounting bracket 426 can include a hole 428 that receives a locking pin 306 (see FIG. 3 ) and links the pneumatic cylinder assembly to the cylinder mount assembly attached to the baseplate 104. Other joints known in the art may be used to pivotally mount the pneumatic cylinder assembly to the baseplate 104, such as a ball joint or a swivel joint.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the pneumatic cylinder assembly includes a bearing joint 430 fixed to the piston rod 406. Thus, the bearing joint 430 is mechanically coupled to the piston 402. The bearing joint 430 may be a Heim joint, spherical rod joint, tie-rod joint, and other equivalent swivel joints known to those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the bearing joint 430 is threaded onto the piston rod 406.

Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2 , an exercise bar 140 is coupled to the pneumatic cylinder assemblies 118, 120 the bearing joints 430. The exercise bar 140 may be a straight bar, a w-shaped bar (also known as an EZ bar or an EZ curl bar), or other exercise bars known in the art. The exercise bar may include a cushioned sleeve for hand protection and comfort.

The bearing joints 430 allow articulation of the exercise bar 140 and require the user to stabilize the exercise bar 140 during use. Thus, the exercise device 102 substantially replicates free weight training because the bearing joints 430 give the exercise bar 140 free range of motion. Like free weight training, the user must balance the exercise bar 140 while using the exercise machine 102. The exercise bar 140 is secured in the bearing joints 430 with a flange 142 and a collar 144 on each side of the bearing joints 430.

The collar 144 is configured to clamp and lock on one end of the exercise bar 140. In one embodiment, the collars 144 include a locking lever to open and close the collar for quick installation onto the exercise bar 140. Other collars known in the art, such as spring clip collars, set screw collars, and threaded collars, may be used by the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the pneumatic cylinder assembly. Each pneumatic cylinder assembly includes a telescoping arm 502 coupling the bearing joint 430 to the piston 402. The telescoping arm 502 is configured to adjustably extend the distance between the exercise bar and the piston.

Specifically, the telescoping arm 502 includes a steel pipe 504 threaded onto the piston rod 406. An extension pole 506 includes a threaded end configured to receive the bearing joint 430. An opposite end of the extension pole 506 includes a hole configured to receive a locking pin 508. The locking pin 508 passes through one of the openings 510 in the steel pipe 504 and the end of the extension pole 508. The user selects which opening 510 the locking pin 508 is pushed through to adjust the height of the telescoping arm 502.

The telescoping arms 502 can be installed on each pneumatic cylinder assembly 118, 120 to adjust the height of the exercise bar 140 relative to the baseplate 104. Depending on the exercise being performed, a user may use the telescoping arms 502 to adjust the range of motion with the exercise machine.

The exercise device of the present invention beneficially avoids the potential for injury due to weights falling on the user. The pneumatic cylinder assemblies provide resistance to motion without the use of heavy weights. If a user becomes fatigued during an exercise routine, the exercise bar can simply be moved in the opposite direction without resistance from the pneumatic cylinder assemblies.

As discussed above, the exercise device can be easily stowed when not in use. With reference to FIG. 1 , the support member 134 is removable and the bench legs 130 are foldable under the bench 128. The exercise bar 140 is detachable from the pneumatic cylinder assemblies 118, 120 by unlocking the collars 144 and sliding the exercise bar 140 out of the bearing joints 430. The pneumatic cylinder assemblies 118, 120 can be released from the baseplate 104 by removing locking pins 306 (see FIG. 3 ). The entire exercise device, once disassembled, can slide under a bed or packed in a case, for example.

The exercise machine 102 beneficially enables the user to perform multiple strength training exercises. For example, a bench press can be performed by configuring the pneumatic cylinder assemblies to resist upward motion. While lying on the bench and grasping the exercise bar, the user presses the exercise bar upward. Resistance to the upward motion is modified by the adjustable valves. The exercise machine can be additionally used to perform triceps press, bicep curl, and squats, for example. It is contemplated that some exercises can be performed while standing on the baseplate with the bench assembly 126 and support member 134 disconnected from the exercise machine 102.

The descriptions of the various embodiment of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An exercise device comprising: a baseplate having a right side and a left side; a first pneumatic cylinder assembly pivotally mounted on the right side of the baseplate, the first pneumatic cylinder assembly including a first piston configured to move linearly inside a first cylinder; a second pneumatic cylinder assembly pivotally mounted on the left side of the baseplate, the second pneumatic cylinder assembly including a second piston configured to move linearly inside a second cylinder; an exercise bar including a first end and a second end, the exercise bar coupled to the first pneumatic cylinder assembly at the first end and the second pneumatic cylinder assembly at the second end; a bench assembly positioned between the first pneumatic cylinder assembly and the second pneumatic cylinder assembly, the bench assembly including a horizontal bench for supporting a user in a substantially supine position and legs elevating the horizontal bench above the baseplate; and a support member removably coupled to the baseplate and the bench assembly.
 2. The exercise device of claim 1 further comprising: a bottom bracket mounted to a top surface of the baseplate, the bottom bracket receiving a bottom end of the support member; and a top bracket mounted to a bottom surface of the horizontal bench, the top bracket receiving a top end of the support member.
 3. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising: a first bearing joint coupling the exercise bar to the first piston such that the exercise bar swivels in relation to the first pneumatic cylinder assembly; and a second bearing joint coupling the exercise bar to the second piston such that the exercise bar swivels in relation to the second pneumatic cylinder assembly.
 4. The exercise device of claim 3, further comprising: a first flange at the first end of the exercise bar; a second flange at the second end of the exercise bar; a first collar configured to clamp on the first end of the exercise bar such that the first bearing joint is positioned between the first flange and the first collar along the exercise bar; and a second collar configured to clamp on the second end of the exercise bar such that the second bearing joint is positioned between the second flange and the second collar along the exercise bar.
 5. The exercise device of claim 3, further comprising: a first telescoping arm coupling the first bearing joint to the first piston such that a first distance between the exercise bar and the first piston is adjustable; and a second tele coping arm coupling the second bearing joint to the second piston such that a second distance between the exercise bar and the second piston is adjustable; and
 6. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising: wherein the first pneumatic cylinder assembly includes a first adjustable valve configured to adjust resistance to movement of the first piston relative to the first cylinder in a first direction; and wherein the second pneumatic cylinder assembly includes a second adjustable valve configured to adjust resistance to movement of the second piston relative to the second cylinder in the first direction.
 7. The exercise device of claim 6, further comprising wherein the first pneumatic cylinder assembly includes a first muffler coupled to the first adjustable valve; and wherein the second pneumatic cylinder assembly includes a second muffler coupled to the second adjustable valve.
 8. The exercise device of claim 6, further comprising: wherein the first pneumatic cylinder assembly includes a first check valve configured to allow free movement of the first piston relative to the first cylinder in a second direction; and wherein the second pneumatic cylinder assembly includes a second check valve configured to allow free movement of the second piston relative to the second cylinder in the second direction.
 9. The exercise device claim 1, further comprising: wherein the first piston divides the first cylinder into a first top chamber and a first bottom chamber, the first adjustable valve is pneumatically coupled to the first top chamber and the first check valve is coupled to the first bottom chamber; and wherein the second piston divides the second cylinder into a second top chamber and a second bottom chamber, the second adjustable valve pneumatically coupled to the second top chamber and the second check valve coupled to the second bottom chamber.
 10. The exercise device claim 1, further comprising: wherein the first piston divides the first cylinder into a first top chamber and a first bottom chamber, the first adjustable valve is pneumatically coupled to the first bottom chamber and the first check valve is coupled to the first top chamber; and wherein the second piston divides the second cylinder into a second top chamber and a second bottom chamber, the second adjustable valve is pneumatically coupled to the second bottom chamber and the second check valve is coupled to the second top chamber.
 11. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising: a first cylinder mount assembly fixed on the right side of the baseplate, the first cylinder mount assembly including a first hinge configured to pivotally link the first pneumatic cylinder assembly to the baseplate; and a second cylinder mount assembly fixed on the left side of the baseplate, the second cylinder mount assembly including a second hinge configured to pivotally link the second pneumatic cylinder assembly to the baseplate.
 12. An apparatus for enabling a user to exercise comprising: a baseplate having a right side and a left side; a first pneumatic cylinder assembly pivotally mounted on the right side of the baseplate, the first pneumatic cylinder assembly including a first piston configured to move linearly inside a first cylinder; a second pneumatic cylinder assembly pivotally mounted on the left side of the baseplate, the second pneumatic cylinder assembly including a second piston configured to move linearly inside a second cylinder; an exercise bar including a first end and a second end, the exercise bar coupled to the first pneumatic cylinder assembly at the first end and the second pneumatic cylinder assembly at the second end; a bench assembly positioned between the first pneumatic cylinder assembly and the second pneumatic cylinder assembly, the bench assembly including a horizontal bench for supporting a user in a substantially supine position; a first bearing joint coupling the exercise bar to the first piston such that the exercise bar swivels in relation to the first pneumatic cylinder assembly; and a second bearing joint coupling the exercise bar to the second piston such that the exercise bar swivels in relation to the second pneumatic cylinder assembly.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising: a support member removably coupled to the base late and the bench assembly; a bottom bracket mounted to a top surface of the baseplate, the bottom bracket receiving a bottom end of the support member; and a top bracket mounted to a bottom surface of the horizontal bench, the top bracket receiving a top end of the support member.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a support member removably coupled to the baseplate and the bench assembly, the support member transferring load from the horizontal bench to the baseplate.
 15. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: a first flange at the first end of the exercise bar; a second flange at the second end of the exercise bar; a first collar configured to clamp on the first end of the exercise bar such that the first bearing joint is positioned between the first flange and the first collar along the exercise bar; and a second collar configured to clamp on the second end of the exercise bar such that the second bearing joint is positioned between the second flange and the second collar along the exercise bar.
 16. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: a first telescoping arm coupling the first bearing joint to the first piston such that a first distance between the exercise bar and the first piston is adjustable; and a second telescoping arm coupling the second bearing joint to the second piston such that a second distance between the exercise bar and the second piston is adjustable.
 17. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: wherein the first pneumatic cylinder assembly includes a first adjustable valve configured to adjust resistance to movement of the first piston relative to the first cylinder in a first direction; and wherein the second pneumatic cylinder assembly includes a second adjustable valve configured to adjust resistance to movement of the second piston relative to the second cylinder in the first direction.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising: wherein the first pneumatic cylinder assembly includes a first muffler coupled to the first adjustable valve; and wherein the second pneumatic cylinder assembly includes a second muffler coupled to the second adjustable valve.
 19. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising: wherein the first pneumatic cylinder assembly includes a first check valve configured to allow free movement of the first piston relative to the first cylinder in a second direction; and wherein the second pneumatic cylinder assembly includes a second check valve configured to allow free movement of the second piston relative to the second cylinder in the second direction.
 20. The apparatus claim 12, further comprising: wherein the first piston divides the first cylinder into a first top chamber and a first bottom chamber, the first adjustable valve is pneumatically coupled to the first top chamber and the first check valve is coupled to the first bottom chamber; and wherein the second piston divides the second cylinder into a second top chamber and a second bottom chamber, the second adjustable valve pneumatically coupled to the second top chamber and the second check valve is coupled to the second bottom chamber. 